Machine Guarding Basics
Why Install Machine Guards?
Simply stated, so you don't get hurt or hurt anyone around you. Unfortunately,
not every machine will perform the intended function without posing an
injury hazard to the operator.
Aren't manufacturers required to supply machines with guards?
Nope. Many manufacturers continue to build and sell their tools without
the necessary safeguards and electrical controls required by OSHA and
various safety regulations. There are no laws that require them to do
so. OSHA requires that you the employer make sure all of the machines
that are used in the workplace comply.
Where do Mechanical Hazards Occur?
Moving parts pose hazards in three main places. The Point of Operation,
Power Transmission and Other Moving Parts.
Point of Operation is the place where machine's
purpose takes place. For example, where a saw blade cuts wood or where
a drill bit bores a hole. Common injuries include cuts ranging from minor
to fatal, flying material chips, ejected parts and puncture wounds.
Power Transmission is the point where power
is transferred from the machine's motor to its point of operation. Belts,
pulley and lead screws are a major source of crushed hands, entangled
hair and clothing. These accidents occur quickly and often cause serious
injury or fatalities.
Other Moving Parts include any other machine
part that moves in a rotating, reciprocating or feeding motion.
How Do I Know if a Machine Requires a Guard?
A good rule to remember is: "Any machine part, function, or process
which may cause injury must be safeguarded. When the operation of a machine
or accidental contact with it can injure the operator or others in the
vicinity, the hazard must either be controlled or eliminated." (OSHA
- Machine Safeguard)
Lovegreen Risk Management will help you provide a workplace free
of machine hazards. Industrial and educational clients the world over have
relied on Lovegreen to provide risk assessment, safety training and machine
guarding to assist them in operating safely and therefore more profitably.
Clients include, NASA, General Electric, Pratt Whitney and 3M.
Working with Your Safety Committee, Lovegreen will implement a machine
guarding program that meets all manufacturing and regulatory requirements.
The result is an enhanced bottom line due to the increased productivity,
efficiency and morale of your company’s most valuable asset, your employees.
No guarding project it too big or too small. We can provide a
single chip shield and E-Stop button, or provide machine guard barriers
to an entire company. LRM will help you provide a safe workplace with
OSHA Compliant Hazard Guards and encourage employee involvement
through a custom machine guarding program. The result is an enhanced bottom
line due to the increased productivity, efficiency and morale of your
company's most valuable asset, your employees.
Get Start Today by downloading a FREE
Basic DIY Machine Safety Survey Tool. Use it to conduct your own
survey to uncover the most common problems on your woodworking and metal
working machines.
Next, Let the Experts at Lovegreen Risk Management, LLC help
you avoid costly events that could significantly impact your bottom line.
Please call us at 1-800-262-8284 or email
us today!
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